Family: Maryland OL Jordan McNair died of heat stroke

McNair’s family recently launched a website for The Jordan McNair Foundation. In the website’s “About Us” section, the family divulged that Jordan of “a heat stroke suffered during an organized offseason workout” with the University of Maryland, where Jordan was a redshirt freshman offensive lineman.

Maryland launches investigation

The day after McNair’s death, Maryland provided a few details of what transpired during the workout, but not his cause of death. Terps athletic director Damon Evans said McNair participated in a conditioning test overseen by the football program’s strength and conditioning staff.

The test, which began around 4:15 p.m., included 10 110-yard runs — a task McNair completed. However, medical staff on hand soon noticed that McNair was “having some difficulty recovering,” Evans said.

“They began supporting active recovery and providing necessary care. Jordan was subsequently transferred to our training room in our football team house for further observation and continued care,” Evans said.

“At that time, medical personnel was called and 911 was dialed. EMS arrived on the scene and began supporting Jordan and he was transferred to the hospital at approximately 6 o’clock.”

At that time, Evans said an extensive review into the day’s events were already underway. The results of that investigation have yet to be revealed.

Maryland released a statement on June 4 saying McNair was hospitalized and listed in critical but stable condition. A GoFundMe page set up to assist with McNair’s medical expenses revealed McNair received a liver transplant while in the hospital.

“It’s not reasonable that a 19-year-old should pass away,” Maryland coach D.J. Durkin said. “It’s not reasonable that a family, parents — his parents Marty and Tony should ever have to go through this. As big as he was stature-wise his heart was much bigger.”

Maryland OL Jordan McNair dies days after being hospitalized following workout

The goal of the Jordan McNair Foundation

McNair’s family says its goal is to “educate student-athletes, parents and the football community at large on the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heat-related illnesses.”

“With the right information, students and all involved in the athletic community can make informed decisions regarding the health and safety of all athletes,” the website says. “One life lost is one life too many and the Jordan McNair Foundation aims to reduce the occurrence of heatstroke and heat-related illnesses in student athletes.”

The foundation will focus on preventing heat-related illnesses by educating folks on the “signs and symptoms” while providing support for those who do suffer from the effects of these illnesses.

Jordan McNair is the latest college football player to die from heat stroke